Georgia AD Greg McGarity issues statement supporting suspended running back Todd Gurley

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity released a statement Friday regarding the indefinite suspension of Bulldogs junior running back Todd Gurley.

The school announced Thursday that Gurley, who led the SEC in rushing (773) and was among the Heisman Trophy favorites, had been suspended because of an ongoing investigation into an alleged NCAA rules violation.

Multiple reports indicated that Gurley accepted impermissible benefits from memorabilia dealers in exchange for his autograph or use of his likeness.

He will not play Saturday when the Bulldogs take on Missouri at 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Without offering specifics, McGarity said there is “a lot of misinformation about this matter in the public domain, and many pundits are offering opinions that are based on incomplete or erroneous facts.”

McGarity said Georgia could not offer more details because of the continuing investigation.

“While we have made extensive efforts to gather all relevant facts, this is still an ongoing and obviously sensitive matter involving a student-athlete,” McGarity said. “Because of federal privacy laws, NCAA rules and the ongoing nature of this matter, there are limits on what I can say at this time.”

McGarity sought to reassure “Bulldog Nation that from the time this matter arose and continuing through today, University of Georgia personnel have worked tirelessly, making every effort and taking all appropriate steps to support our student-athletes and our coaches and to act in the best interests of the University of Georgia,” the statement read, in part.

He indicated that the university offered Gurley legal counsel, as allowed by the NCAA, to represent him.

“While the university does not tolerate any violation of NCAA rules, the university has supported and continues to support its student-athletes,” McGarity said.

He also said that Gurley’s status with the Bulldogs isn’t in jeopardy and Georgia would work to resolve his eligibility “as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is in the best interests of the university, its coaches, and its student-athletes,” McGarity said.

“We have made clear to Todd that regardless of what happens with this case, he is still a member of the Bulldog family, and we will support him in every way we can,” McGarity said.

This story was originally published October 10, 2014 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Georgia AD Greg McGarity issues statement supporting suspended running back Todd Gurley."